What is the meaning of faith?
In part one we looked at how the Christian faith and that of Muslims were very similar. We also explored the differences between Christianity and Islam. Much of this information was sourced from www.geocities.com/mikailtariq/index.htm and trust that the facts have justly been interpreted.
It is reckoned that Christians look for their rewards or punishment in the next life, whilst Muslims believe that by conducting themselves correctly every day heaven can be created here on earth. However through the teachings of James in the bible, this isn’t necessarily a true interpretation of Christian philosophy.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:22
“What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?” – James 2:14
“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” - James 2:17
These verses obviously demonstrate the need to place action behind beliefs and faith.
A Muslim will conduct himself with dignity and honour. Not to do so is disrespectful to the Islamic faith. Likewise, cleanliness is a very important aspect of their day to day conduct. It is their belief that being unclean offends God. Being dirty through honest toil is acceptable; at any other time it is not. It has to be said that from my experience of people following the Islamic faith, their cleanliness is wholly commendable as cleanliness doesn’t seem to be at the heart of Christian faith.
Whilst bodily cleanliness ranks high in a Muslims conduct, so also does internal cleanliness. This is why they do not partake in alcohol and illicit drugs. As a pig is seen as an unclean animal, eating filth, the consumption of pork is also forbidden.
The Qur’an is obviously the book by which the words must be followed, but a Muslim will also abide by the laws of the land in which they reside. They are lawful and responsible citizens that abhor sin. To make a mistake and sin once is forgivable but to continue to live in sin is wrong and shows contempt of God.
How does this compare to the Christian notion of forgiveness?
The religion of Islam acknowledges that everybody is a brother or sister. A practitioner of Islam must not discriminate between race and ethnic origin.
They must not contribute to the downfall of another. This too, is best practice of the Christian faith.
Islam decrees that a follower should observe the following five points:-
To say the creed several times a day.
To undertake daily prayer – at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Cleansing must be undertaken prior to prayer and they must face Mecca during prayer.
Give alms – give money to the poor in the community.
Fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting during day-light hours is a reminder of the gift of God’s revelation to Muhammed, ie. The Qur’an.
Undertake a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca once in a lifetime.
By sticking to a disciplined regime a Muslim obviously remains in touch with God many times during the course of the day. A Christian daily routine would be more flexible and consequently perhaps doesn’t retain his/her thoughts on God so much during the day. Grace at meal times and a once per day offering of prayer doesn’t strike as being quite so devout as that of a Muslim.
Although some of the differences between Islam and Christianity may appear to be divisive, there is a lot of common ground. The shear fact that both religions share a belief in one God should be THE uniting factor. Ultimately demonstrating ones faith in God is an individual choice. By living our lives through him and creating a quality in life that is in harmony with fairness, kindness and morality means we can have that freedom of choice and should be able to live peacefully together.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Monday 28 September 2009
A Christian's Look at Islam
What is the meaning of faith?
As a Christian I practice my faith in God in a manner that feels the most comfortable to me. Perhaps this has evolved from my upbringing, the teachings that have been presented to me through the course of my life and from what I have encountered myself during my life.
Ultimately how I allow my faith and beliefs to affect my life is down to me. The rules that I obey through Christianity allow me to live a clean and happy life with a well developed sense of morality and fairness.
But do we need to be a Christian to have a faith in God and live a decent life?
At www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com it is the aim to look at all aspects of faith. In the first of two articles we shall look at the very basic beliefs of Islam as practiced by its Muslim followers.
The major source of information for this article has come from www.geocities.com/mikailtariq/index.htm and it is sincerely hoped that the interpretation is factually correct and in no way offensive.
The Islamic faith and Christianity agree in many things and as is also common with other faiths such as the Jewish faith, they all believe in one God. Perhaps the confusion comes with the fact that Muslims refer to Allah, which is a contraction of Al Ilah (The God).
A true Christian will follow the teachings of Jesus as presented in their one book, The Bible. A Muslim will accept the teachings of the great prophets Jesus, Moses and Abraham, but practice their faith through the words of The Qur’an. This, they believe is the most complete and reliable source of God’s revelations as presented through the prophet Muhammed, and as he was the last of the great prophets, this must be the most up to date account of God’s wisdom.
So Christians and Muslims have common ground in the belief of one God and a desire to live good, clean and honest lives. So where are the differences?
Muslims are taught to be proud and to conduct themselves with dignity and honour. They believe that Christianity teaches meekness, which is true although it could be argued that modesty doesn’t have to obscure self esteem. Assertiveness is viewed as inline with Muslim thinking.
Muslims place tremendous store on education. They place great reverence on schools and books and encourage efforts to acquire great knowledge. It certainly could be said that those that sit on the fringes of Christianity are not so disciplined in their attempts to gain a better education.
The Islamic faith encourages commerce and the accumulation of wealth whilst it believes that a good Christian will shun riches and depend on God for sustenance. Muslims have an immense work ethic and although they aren’t against benefits handed out by governments and charitable organisations they have the belief that they should work where at all possible. In defence of Christians, the bible implies that it is the desire for wealth that is the root of all evil. The earning of money to enjoy God’s abundance and perhaps to help others is no sin at all.
Christians are certainly encouraged to turn the other cheek. A follower of Islam on the other hand will defend his family, his faith and himself. Although not advocating violence they would not be subjected to humiliation by submitting to evil. The difficulty may come in respect to the interpretation of who or what is evil.
This is the first of two articles on a Christians view of Islam through www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com. So far we can see that there is a lot of common ground between these two major religions and perhaps the differences aren’t really that great a divide. Accepting the common denominators of the two should surely mean that we can live in harmony with each other.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
As a Christian I practice my faith in God in a manner that feels the most comfortable to me. Perhaps this has evolved from my upbringing, the teachings that have been presented to me through the course of my life and from what I have encountered myself during my life.
Ultimately how I allow my faith and beliefs to affect my life is down to me. The rules that I obey through Christianity allow me to live a clean and happy life with a well developed sense of morality and fairness.
But do we need to be a Christian to have a faith in God and live a decent life?
At www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com it is the aim to look at all aspects of faith. In the first of two articles we shall look at the very basic beliefs of Islam as practiced by its Muslim followers.
The major source of information for this article has come from www.geocities.com/mikailtariq/index.htm and it is sincerely hoped that the interpretation is factually correct and in no way offensive.
The Islamic faith and Christianity agree in many things and as is also common with other faiths such as the Jewish faith, they all believe in one God. Perhaps the confusion comes with the fact that Muslims refer to Allah, which is a contraction of Al Ilah (The God).
A true Christian will follow the teachings of Jesus as presented in their one book, The Bible. A Muslim will accept the teachings of the great prophets Jesus, Moses and Abraham, but practice their faith through the words of The Qur’an. This, they believe is the most complete and reliable source of God’s revelations as presented through the prophet Muhammed, and as he was the last of the great prophets, this must be the most up to date account of God’s wisdom.
So Christians and Muslims have common ground in the belief of one God and a desire to live good, clean and honest lives. So where are the differences?
Muslims are taught to be proud and to conduct themselves with dignity and honour. They believe that Christianity teaches meekness, which is true although it could be argued that modesty doesn’t have to obscure self esteem. Assertiveness is viewed as inline with Muslim thinking.
Muslims place tremendous store on education. They place great reverence on schools and books and encourage efforts to acquire great knowledge. It certainly could be said that those that sit on the fringes of Christianity are not so disciplined in their attempts to gain a better education.
The Islamic faith encourages commerce and the accumulation of wealth whilst it believes that a good Christian will shun riches and depend on God for sustenance. Muslims have an immense work ethic and although they aren’t against benefits handed out by governments and charitable organisations they have the belief that they should work where at all possible. In defence of Christians, the bible implies that it is the desire for wealth that is the root of all evil. The earning of money to enjoy God’s abundance and perhaps to help others is no sin at all.
Christians are certainly encouraged to turn the other cheek. A follower of Islam on the other hand will defend his family, his faith and himself. Although not advocating violence they would not be subjected to humiliation by submitting to evil. The difficulty may come in respect to the interpretation of who or what is evil.
This is the first of two articles on a Christians view of Islam through www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com. So far we can see that there is a lot of common ground between these two major religions and perhaps the differences aren’t really that great a divide. Accepting the common denominators of the two should surely mean that we can live in harmony with each other.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
Friday 25 September 2009
A Valuable Lesson in Faith
What is the Meaning of Faith?
As I have mentioned in many a blog, I have recently returned from a trip to Romania doing some charity work. I was part of a team that spent a week helping with the construction of an extension to an orphanage in Comanesti.
Steve Cooper and his Cry in the Dark charity had created Casa Lumina ten years ago to provide a loving home for children who suffered appallingly under the Caucesceau regime. They also established Casa Albert, an outreach centre and soon to be day centre for children with life limiting illnesses. The extension is being added to Casa Lumina to support the children as they now progress into adulthood.
So what have I gained personally from this trip?
How have I changed as a person and what has it taught me?
Certainly I am more grateful for the things that I have; my family, my friends and my home.
But I bring back from Romania one extremely valuable lesson.
On the Sunday, Steve Cooper explained how Cry in the Dark came about. He described how he was inspired to come to Romania to see for himself the dreadful conditions which orphans were having to endure; the cramped and loveless conditions which tugged at the heart strings.
God spoke to him and he knew he had to do something.
We can look back now at what has been achieved with the development of Casa Lumina and Casa Albert. In the beginning though this must have seemed like a daunting challenge.
Where does one start?
How do you even know where to start?
These were questions I put to Steve.
He answered. “I didn’t know where to start. I just turned to God, prayed for the answers and he showed me the way.”
WOW
This is true faith in God…in action.
I can recall tales, particularly in Nigeria, where my faith in God saw me through some sticky encounters.
One offs.
For twelve years God has been by Steves’ side. The creation of the Cry in the Dark team, the building of Casa Lumina, Casa Albert and now the extension at Casa Lumina.
Steve and the team at Cry in the Dark have been the sole reason why twenty three children with learning difficulties and varying illnesses have made it happily through to adulthood.
All this through his faith in God.
WOW
I believe in God, obviously.
But can I say my faith is as resolute as that of Steve Coopers’?
Probably not, or at least, not up until now.
As I’ve said, I’ve had my encounters where I believed God would pull me through…and he did. But I still worried about the bills, job, family etc., wanting to know step by step the path of my future.
I can see now the effects of an absolute belief and trust in God. By praying, and listening to his answers and believing that he WILL look after me, I can worry less about the future and open my eyes to the present.
If Steve Cooper has ever doubted his faith, it never showed, and I will be eternally grateful for this priceless lesson.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
As I have mentioned in many a blog, I have recently returned from a trip to Romania doing some charity work. I was part of a team that spent a week helping with the construction of an extension to an orphanage in Comanesti.
Steve Cooper and his Cry in the Dark charity had created Casa Lumina ten years ago to provide a loving home for children who suffered appallingly under the Caucesceau regime. They also established Casa Albert, an outreach centre and soon to be day centre for children with life limiting illnesses. The extension is being added to Casa Lumina to support the children as they now progress into adulthood.
So what have I gained personally from this trip?
How have I changed as a person and what has it taught me?
Certainly I am more grateful for the things that I have; my family, my friends and my home.
But I bring back from Romania one extremely valuable lesson.
On the Sunday, Steve Cooper explained how Cry in the Dark came about. He described how he was inspired to come to Romania to see for himself the dreadful conditions which orphans were having to endure; the cramped and loveless conditions which tugged at the heart strings.
God spoke to him and he knew he had to do something.
We can look back now at what has been achieved with the development of Casa Lumina and Casa Albert. In the beginning though this must have seemed like a daunting challenge.
Where does one start?
How do you even know where to start?
These were questions I put to Steve.
He answered. “I didn’t know where to start. I just turned to God, prayed for the answers and he showed me the way.”
WOW
This is true faith in God…in action.
I can recall tales, particularly in Nigeria, where my faith in God saw me through some sticky encounters.
One offs.
For twelve years God has been by Steves’ side. The creation of the Cry in the Dark team, the building of Casa Lumina, Casa Albert and now the extension at Casa Lumina.
Steve and the team at Cry in the Dark have been the sole reason why twenty three children with learning difficulties and varying illnesses have made it happily through to adulthood.
All this through his faith in God.
WOW
I believe in God, obviously.
But can I say my faith is as resolute as that of Steve Coopers’?
Probably not, or at least, not up until now.
As I’ve said, I’ve had my encounters where I believed God would pull me through…and he did. But I still worried about the bills, job, family etc., wanting to know step by step the path of my future.
I can see now the effects of an absolute belief and trust in God. By praying, and listening to his answers and believing that he WILL look after me, I can worry less about the future and open my eyes to the present.
If Steve Cooper has ever doubted his faith, it never showed, and I will be eternally grateful for this priceless lesson.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
Tuesday 22 September 2009
A Cry in the Dark
What is the meaning of faith?
Most people have something or somebody that they believe in. Having that faith gives us hope for the future. When we walk through a storm, we must hold our heads up high. Then we will never walk alone.
Recently I have had the immense privilege of witnessing the power of faith in action. A deep rooted faith in God.
It was with great pleasure that I visited Romania along with seven others from two churches in the town that I live. The Zion Baptist church had been supporting Cry in the Dark for several years now and through them our church became involved.
The charity Cry in the Dark was created by Steve Cooper. He was inspired to visit Romania after hearing the harrowing stories of neglect in orphanages around the country. Unfortunately he found the stories covered only a fraction of the true atrocities that had been allowed to develop in these cramped, dark and loveless places. He knew that God was calling when out of the darkness he could hear the disturbing sounds of crying.
This was over twelve years ago. Two years later Casa Lumina was created in Comanesti. This is an orphanage built by Cry in the Dark to house twenty three children with learning difficulties and various other disabilities and illnesses. Through the extreme dedication of Steve Cooper and the Cry in the Dark team Casa Lumina has become a home of love, life and laughter provided by an immensely caring team of care workers.
It didn’t stop there. Inspired by the death of one little boy – Albert – Casa Albert was developed amongst much red tape from local government in Romania. This was initially intended to be a hospice for children with life limiting illnesses but has developed into an outreach centre so that medical care can be administered to the children within their own homes. Once the finishing touches have been completed, Casa Albert will also become a day centre for the children it has always intended to support.
Our visit to Comanesti was to help in the construction of an extension to Casa Lumina. Cry in the Dark has pledged a home to these orphans for the rest of their lives and for this reason the extension was being added to cater for their adult requirements.
I have always been intrigued to know how one ever gets started on such a daunting project, particularly if one starts from a background of no experience whatsoever. Whilst I was out there and in his company, I asked him the question.
He answered,
“I have never known what to do. I have just prayed to God and believe that God will show me the way. And he always has”
It is hard for me to recollect having ever personally coming across such absolute faith. Steve never walks alone, always has hope in his heart and god never lets him down. His motives are without question. He acts selflessly and God recognises this.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
Most people have something or somebody that they believe in. Having that faith gives us hope for the future. When we walk through a storm, we must hold our heads up high. Then we will never walk alone.
Recently I have had the immense privilege of witnessing the power of faith in action. A deep rooted faith in God.
It was with great pleasure that I visited Romania along with seven others from two churches in the town that I live. The Zion Baptist church had been supporting Cry in the Dark for several years now and through them our church became involved.
The charity Cry in the Dark was created by Steve Cooper. He was inspired to visit Romania after hearing the harrowing stories of neglect in orphanages around the country. Unfortunately he found the stories covered only a fraction of the true atrocities that had been allowed to develop in these cramped, dark and loveless places. He knew that God was calling when out of the darkness he could hear the disturbing sounds of crying.
This was over twelve years ago. Two years later Casa Lumina was created in Comanesti. This is an orphanage built by Cry in the Dark to house twenty three children with learning difficulties and various other disabilities and illnesses. Through the extreme dedication of Steve Cooper and the Cry in the Dark team Casa Lumina has become a home of love, life and laughter provided by an immensely caring team of care workers.
It didn’t stop there. Inspired by the death of one little boy – Albert – Casa Albert was developed amongst much red tape from local government in Romania. This was initially intended to be a hospice for children with life limiting illnesses but has developed into an outreach centre so that medical care can be administered to the children within their own homes. Once the finishing touches have been completed, Casa Albert will also become a day centre for the children it has always intended to support.
Our visit to Comanesti was to help in the construction of an extension to Casa Lumina. Cry in the Dark has pledged a home to these orphans for the rest of their lives and for this reason the extension was being added to cater for their adult requirements.
I have always been intrigued to know how one ever gets started on such a daunting project, particularly if one starts from a background of no experience whatsoever. Whilst I was out there and in his company, I asked him the question.
He answered,
“I have never known what to do. I have just prayed to God and believe that God will show me the way. And he always has”
It is hard for me to recollect having ever personally coming across such absolute faith. Steve never walks alone, always has hope in his heart and god never lets him down. His motives are without question. He acts selflessly and God recognises this.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com
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